US8651720B2 - Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide - Google Patents

Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8651720B2
US8651720B2 US13/002,810 US200913002810A US8651720B2 US 8651720 B2 US8651720 B2 US 8651720B2 US 200913002810 A US200913002810 A US 200913002810A US 8651720 B2 US8651720 B2 US 8651720B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
light
lightguide
viscoelastic
viscoelastic lightguide
film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US13/002,810
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20110182076A1 (en
Inventor
Audrey A. Sherman
Marie A. Boulos
Kevin R. Schaffer
Michael A. Meis
Thu-Van T. Tran
Ellen O. Aeling
Soemantri Widagdo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
3M Innovative Properties Co
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Co filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority to US13/002,810 priority Critical patent/US8651720B2/en
Assigned to 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY reassignment 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WIDAGDO, SOEMANTRI, AELING, ELLEN O., BOULOS, MARIE A., SCHAFFER, KEVIN R., TRAN, THU-VAN T., MEIS, MICHAEL A., SHERMAN, AUDREY A.
Publication of US20110182076A1 publication Critical patent/US20110182076A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US8651720B2 publication Critical patent/US8651720B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F21V13/02—Combinations of only two kinds of elements
    • F21V13/04—Combinations of only two kinds of elements the elements being reflectors and refractors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
    • B44F1/02—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects produced by reflected light, e.g. matt surfaces, lustrous surfaces
    • B44F1/04—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects produced by reflected light, e.g. matt surfaces, lustrous surfaces after passage through surface layers, e.g. pictures with mirrors on the back
    • B44F1/045—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects produced by reflected light, e.g. matt surfaces, lustrous surfaces after passage through surface layers, e.g. pictures with mirrors on the back having mirrors or metallic or reflective layers at the back side
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/12—Reflex reflectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/12—Reflex reflectors
    • G02B5/122—Reflex reflectors cube corner, trihedral or triple reflector type
    • G02B5/124—Reflex reflectors cube corner, trihedral or triple reflector type plural reflecting elements forming part of a unitary plate or sheet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • G02B6/0055—Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • B42D2035/20—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/324—Reliefs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/328—Diffraction gratings; Holograms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • G02B6/0053—Prismatic sheet or layer; Brightness enhancement element, sheet or layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0063—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide for extracting light out both the major surfaces of the light guide

Definitions

  • optical articles and devices particularly those that are retroreflective.
  • the optical articles and devices include lightguides made with viscoelastic materials.
  • Retroreflective films are characterized by the ability to reflect incident light back toward an originating light source.
  • Cube corner retroreflective sheeting sometimes referred to as “prismatic” retroreflective sheeting, typically comprises a thin transparent layer having a substantially planar first surface and a second structured surface comprising a plurality of cube corner elements. Each cube corner element is formed by three reflecting faces at the surface of the thin transparent layer. Light incident upon a reflecting surface can undergo a number of additional reflections before being directed back toward the light source.
  • Prismatic retroreflective sheeting may be used in traffic safety applications, such as for license plates, road signs, barricades, pavement markers and marking tape, as well as for personal safety applications including tape for clothing, headgear, vehicles and the like.
  • Prismatic retroreflective sheeting may be used to provide signage in graphic arts applications.
  • Prismatic retroreflective sheeting is known for being able to reflect a large portion of incident light back towards an originating light source. Without a light source, however, prismatic retroreflective sheeting can be difficult to see under some conditions.
  • an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light.
  • Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection.
  • the optical device may have a “front lit” configuration such that the transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film.
  • the optical device may have a “back lit” configuration such that the transported light is extracted from the lightguide and transmitted through the retroreflective film.
  • Retroreflection at the structured surface may comprise reflection by refraction or reflection by diffraction depending on the particular construction of the optical device.
  • FIGS. 4 a - b and 5 - 9 show schematic cross sections of exemplary devices having back lit configurations.
  • the optical device may provide one or more advantages.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide is generally soft and compliant such that the light source may be easily coupled to the lightguide so that light can enter the lightguide.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide comprises a PSA which is generally tacky at room temperature. The light source may then be coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide such that it is adhered to the lightguide. This may facilitate assembly of the optical device itself or constructions in which the device is used.
  • the optical device may be used to provide light anywhere it is desired.
  • the optical device may be designed for interior and/or exterior use.
  • the optical device may be designed for household, commercial and/or industrial use.
  • the optical device may be used and/or provided in a construction so that it is portable, i.e., it is a portable source of light.
  • Lighted cards, tapes, signs, labels, stickers, cut-outs, etc. are examples of portable constructions that may be made using the optical device.
  • the optical device may also be used and/or provided in a more stationary construction such as in a license plate assembly or as part of a lighting assembly used to provide lighting on the exterior of a vehicle, e.g., for tail lights, replacing tail light cavities and their lighting assemblies and which are very space consuming.
  • the optical device may also be used to provide “light on demand”, e.g., the light source may be activated selectively when certain conditions are met.
  • the optical device may provide many more advantages.
  • the optical device can be used to provide light that is bright, diffuse, uniform and/or concentrated over particular areas.
  • the optical device may provide advantages by being thin, flexible and/or lightweight.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be tiled to light large areas of retroreflective film which may be made easier if the lightguides can be stuck together. Due to its viscoelastic properties, the viscoelastic lightguide may also dampen stresses experienced by the optical device or construction in which the device is used.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide, when disposed on a substrate, may be removable and/or repositionable over time.
  • the optical device may also provide advantages related to cost, because it can be made from commercially available light sources, viscoelastic materials and retroreflective films. Additional advantages are described below.
  • the observed reflection angle is within about 10° of the calculated reflection angle.
  • Total internal reflection occurs if a predetermined amount, or at least within about 10% of a predetermined amount, of light does not escape the viscoelastic lightguide unless it is intentionally extracted from the lightguide.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may have opposing major surfaces that are substantially unstructured as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 c . These major surfaces may also be structured with a plurality of features, or one major surface may be substantially unstructured and the other structured with a plurality of features.
  • FIG. 1 b the surface of the viscoelastic lightguide at interface 156 is structured with a plurality of features.
  • FIG. 1 d shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 170 having a front lit configuration.
  • viscoelastic lightguide 175 is not in direct contact with retroreflective film 140 .
  • Viscoelastic lightguide 175 comprises upper structured surface 176 and lower surface 177 .
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may have a refractive index less than that of the retroreflective film or substrate.
  • the refractive index of the viscoelastic lightguide may be less than about 0.002, less than about 0.005, less than about 0.01, less than about 0.02, less than about 0.03, less than about 0.04, less than about 0.05, less than about 0.1, less than about 0.2, less than about 0.3, less than about 0.4, or less than about 0.5, as compared to the refractive index of the retroreflective film or substrate.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide comprises one or more viscoelastic materials.
  • viscoelastic materials exhibit both elastic and viscous behavior when undergoing deformation.
  • Elastic characteristics refer to the ability of a material to return to its original shape after a transient load is removed.
  • One measure of elasticity for a material is referred to as the tensile set value which is a function of the elongation remaining after the material has been stretched and subsequently allowed to recover (destretch) under the same conditions by which it was stretched. If a material has a tensile set value of 0%, then it has returned to its original length upon relaxation, whereas if the tensile set value is 100%, then the material is twice its original length upon relaxation.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an optically clear lightguide having high light transmittance of from about 80 to about 100%, from about 90 to about 100%, from about 95 to about 100%, or from about 98 to about 100% over at least a portion of the visible light spectrum (about 400 to about 700 nm).
  • the viscoelastic lightguide has a haze value of less than about 5%, less than about 3%, or less than about 1%.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide has a haze value of from about 0.01 to less than about 5%, from about 0.01 to less than about 3%, or from about 0.01 to less than about 1%. Haze values in transmission can be determined using a haze meter according to ASTM D1003.
  • Examples of monomer B include N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, diacetone acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide, N, N-diethyl acrylamide, N-ethyl-N-aminoethyl acrylamide, N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N,N-dihydroxyethyl acrylamide, t-butyl acrylamide, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylamide, and N-octyl acrylamide.
  • Useful PSAs include silicone PSAs such as polydiorganosiloxanes, polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamides and silicone urea block copolymers described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,119 (Leir, et al).
  • the silicone PSAs may be formed from a hyrosilylation reaction between one or more components having silicon-bonded hydrogen and aliphatic unsaturation.
  • the silicone PSAs may include a polymer or gum and an optional tackifying resin.
  • the tackifying resin may comprise a three-dimensional silicate structure that is endcapped with trialkylsiloxy groups.
  • the PSA may be crosslinked to build molecular weight and strength of the PSA.
  • Crosslinking agents may be used to form chemical crosslinks, physical crosslinks or a combination thereof, and they may be activated by heat, UV radiation and the like.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an adhesive as described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/986,298, comprising a block copolymer dispersed in an adhesive matrix to form a Lewis acid-base pair.
  • the block copolymer comprises an AB block copolymer, and the A block phase separates to form microdomains within the B block/adhesive matrix.
  • the adhesive matrix may comprise a copolymer of an alkyl (meth)acrylate and a (meth)acrylate having pendant acid functionality, and the block copolymer may comprise a styrene-acrylate copolymer.
  • microdomains may be large enough to forward scatter incident light, but not so large that they backscatter incident light. Typically these microdomains are larger than the wavelength of visible light (about 400 to about 700 nm). In some embodiments the microdomain size is from about 1.0 to about 10 um.
  • the stretch releasable PSA may comprise an MQ tackifying resin and an elastomeric silicone polymer selected from the group consisting of urea-based silicone copolymers, oxamide-based silicone copolymers, amide-based silicone copolymers, urethane-based silicone copolymers, and mixtures thereof.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be made hazy and/or diffusive by including particles such as nanoparticles (diameter less than about 1 um), microspheres (diameter 1 um or greater), or fibers. Exemplary nanoparticles include TiO 2 . Haze and diffusive properties can also be incorporated into the viscoelastic lightguide by incorporating bubbles into the lightguide. The bubbles may have a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 um. Bubbles may be introduced by adding, e.g., foaming agents. Examples of additional additives that may be added to the viscoelastic lightguide include glass beads, reflective particles, and conductive particles.
  • the retroreflective film comprises a transparent material into which at least some of the extracted light is transmitted.
  • the retroreflective film comprises a metal such that the extracted light is not actually extracted; rather the light strikes the interface between the lightguide and the metallic retroreflective film.
  • the retroreflective film comprises a holographic film.
  • the holographic film may be a layer of a light transmissive thermoplastic polymer wherein a lower surface of the layer has been embossed to form a plurality of features or relief pattern arranged to provide a holographic image.
  • lower structured surface 167 of retroreflective film 165 as shown in FIG. 1 c may be an embossed surface having a relief pattern for providing a holographic image.
  • the relief pattern may be coated with a reflective layer such as a transparent or nontransparent metal. In the front lit configuration, light from the viscoelastic layer is transmitted through the embossed layer and retroreflected by the reflective layer.
  • the body layer may comprise a light transmissive layer such as a light transmissive polymeric film
  • the cube corner elements may comprise a structured reflective film such as a structured polymeric film with a metal coating
  • the sealing film may comprise a polymeric material typically comprising particles such as metal oxide particles.
  • the retroreflective film may comprise cube corner film 242 disposed on body layer 241 without sealing film 243 .
  • the retroreflective film may comprise a cube corner film without the body layer and/or the sealing layer.
  • the thickness of the retroreflective film is not particularly limited as long as it can function as desired.
  • Exemplary thicknesses for the retroreflective film range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil, from about 1 mil to about 300 mil, from about 1 mil to about 60 mil, or from about 0.5 mil to about 30 mil.
  • the amount of light retroreflected may be greater than about 10%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90% relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.
  • the amount of light retroreflected may be from about 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about 90% relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.
  • the first optional layer is hazy and diffuses light, particularly visible light.
  • a hazy first optional layer may have a haze value of from about 5 to about 90%, from about 5 to about 50%, or from about 20 to about 50%.
  • the first optional layer is translucent in that it reflects and transmits light.
  • the first optional layer comprises a polymeric film.
  • Useful polymeric films include cellulose acetate, poly(meth)acrylate (acrylate and/or methacrylate), polyether sulfone, polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, syndiotactic polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, copolymer or blend based on naphthalene dicarboxylic acids, or some combination thereof.
  • the first optional layer comprises a poly(meth)acrylate having a refractive index greater than that of the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • the first optional layer may comprise glass which generally comprises a hard, brittle, amorphous solid, including, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, acrylic glass, sugar glass, and the like.
  • the second optional layer may be designed to interfere or not interfere with the behavior of light being extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide and/or retroreflected by the retroreflective film.
  • the second optional layer may have opposing major surfaces 326 and 327 that are substantially unstructured, structured with a plurality of features, or a combination thereof.
  • a surface of the second optional layer may comprise any one of the plurality of features described above for the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • major surface 326 may have features comprising lenses (as shown for surface 176 in FIG. 1 d ) which are particularly useful for directing light to a preferred angular distribution.
  • the thickness of the second optional layer is not limited as long as the optical device can function as desired. Exemplary thicknesses for the second optional layer range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil.
  • the second optional layer may comprise a release liner.
  • Release liners typically have a low adhesion surface for contact with an adhesive layer.
  • Release liners may comprise paper such as Kraft paper, or polymeric films such as poly(vinyl chloride), polyester, polyolefin, cellulose acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, and the like.
  • the release liner may be coated with a layer of a release agent such as a silicone-containing material or a fluorocarbon-containing material.
  • the release liner may comprise paper or a polymeric film coated with polyethylene which is coated with a silicone-containing material.
  • Exemplary release liners include liners commercially available from CP Films Inc. under the trade designations “T-30” and “T-10” that have a silicone release coating on polyethylene terephthalate film.
  • Exemplary release liners include structured release liners.
  • Exemplary release liners include any of those referred to as microstructured release liners.
  • Microstructured release liners are used to impart a microstructure on the surface of an adhesive layer. The microstructured surface can aid air egress between the adhesive layer and the adjacent layer. In general, it is desirable that the microstructure disappear over time to prevent interference with optical properties.
  • Microstructures are generally three-dimensional structures that are microscopic in at least two dimensions (i.e., the topical and/or cross-sectional view is microscopic). The term “microscopic” as used herein refers to dimensions that are difficult to resolve by the human eye without aid of a microscope.
  • the microstructures may assume a variety of shapes. Representative examples include hemispheres, prisms (such as square prisms, rectangular prisms, cylindrical prisms and other similar polygonal features), pyramids, ellipses, grooves (e.g., V-grooves), channels, and the like. In some cases, it may be desirable to include topographical features that promote air egress at the bonding interface when the article is laminated to a substrate. In this regard, V-grooves and channels that can extend to the edge of the article are particularly useful. The particular dimensions and patterns characterizing the microstructures are selected based upon the specific application for which the article is intended.
  • microstructured adhesive layer surface has one or more grooves that exist only in an inner area of the surface and are not open at side surfaces of the layer.
  • These grooves may be in the form of a straight line, branched straight lines, cross, circle, oval, or polygon as viewed from above, and where each form may be composed of plural discontinuous grooves.
  • These grooves may have a width of from 5 to 100 micrometers and a depth of from 5 to 50 micrometers.
  • Useful imaging materials include those that reflect all or some light within a particular range of wavelengths. Useful imaging materials include those that transmit all or some light within a particular range of wavelengths. Exemplary imaging materials include colorants such as pigments and dyes. Imaging materials may also comprise photonic crystals.
  • the third optional layer may be a reflector that reflects light being retroreflected by the retroreflective film.
  • the reflector comprises a specular reflector wherein the reflection angle of light is within about 16° of the incident angle.
  • a specular reflector may be fully or near fully specular as a reflector over some range of incident angles.
  • specular reflectors may be from about 85 to about 100% reflective, from about 90 to about 100%, or from about 95 to about 100%, across a particular region of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, the visible region.
  • Suitable specular reflectors include mirrors such as a plane mirrors comprising a film of reflecting material, typically a metal, coated on glass.
  • the reflector comprises a diffuse reflector wherein light incident upon the reflector is reflected and scattered at a surface of the diffuse reflector.
  • a diffuse reflector For a diffuse reflector, light of a given incident angle reflects with multiple reflection angles wherein at least some of the reflection angles are greater than about 16° of the incident angle.
  • a diffuse reflector may be fully or near fully reflective over some range of incident angles.
  • diffuse reflectors may be from about 85 to about 100% reflective, from about 90 to about 100%, or from about 95 to about 100%, across a particular region of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, the visible region.
  • the diffuse reflector may comprise a layer of organic, inorganic or hybrid organic/inorganic particles disposed on a substrate. The particles may be dispersed in a polymeric material or binder.
  • the diffuse reflector may comprise a layer of barium sulfate particles loaded in a polyethylene terephalate film.
  • Exemplary specular reflectors include those available from 3MTM Company, for example, 3MTM High Intensity Grade Reflective Products such as High Reflective Visible Mirror Film and High Transmission Mirror Film, and VikuitiTM films such as VikuitiTM Enhanced Specular Reflector.
  • the third optional layer may comprise a nanofoam which typically comprises a nanostructured, porous material containing pores with diameters of less than about 100 nm.
  • the third optional layer may comprise an aerogel which is a low-density solid state material derived from gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with air. Silica, alumina and carbon aerogels are exemplary aerogels that may be used.
  • the third optional layer may comprise a low refractive index material such as a polymer film filled with white particles.
  • FIG. 4 a shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 400 .
  • This embodiment is an example of a back lit configuration in which viscoelastic lightguide 110 is behind retroreflective film 140 or farther than the retroreflective film to the viewer as indicated by eye 120 .
  • Exemplary optical device 400 further comprises retroreflective film 140 having upper structured surface 141 and lower structured surface 142 . Light propagating within the viscoelastic lightguide may be extracted, as shown by ray 405 , from the lightguide and transmitted through retroreflective film 140 .
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may not be in direct contact with the retroreflective film.
  • One or more layers may be disposed between the viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film depending on the desired effect. Embodiments in which the viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film are not in contact are described below.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be in direct contact with the retroreflective film.
  • FIG. 4 b shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 410 having a back lit configuration.
  • viscoelastic lightguide 110 is in direct contact with retroreflective film 240 , particularly with sealing film 243 of the retroreflective film.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may have opposing major surfaces that are substantially unstructured, structured with a plurality of features, or one major surface may be substantially unstructured and the other structured with a plurality of features.
  • a structured surface of the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back lit configuration may comprise any of the structured surfaces described above for the front lit configuration, i.e., a structured surface of the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back lit configuration may comprise a plurality of features, the features having shapes, sizes, combinations of shapes and sizes, surface structures, etc. as described above for the viscoelastic lightguide used in the front lit configuration.
  • the number and arrangement of features for a structured surface of a viscoelastic lightguide in the back lit configuration may be the same as those described above for the front lit configuration.
  • the shapes and/or sizes of the features may change the amount and/or distribution of light that is extracted from the viscoelastic layer.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back lit configuration is generally in contact with at least one medium such as air or a substrate such as the retroreflective film, polymeric film, metal, glass, and/or fabric.
  • a substrate such as the retroreflective film, polymeric film, metal, glass, and/or fabric.
  • Particular substrates are described below for a variety of exemplary constructions.
  • a viscoelastic lightguide in contact with a substrate is described below, but this substrate may comprise any type of medium including air.
  • the amount of light extracted from the lightguide and by the substrate may be from about 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about 90% relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.
  • the transmittance angle for light extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide by the retroreflective film or substrate may be from greater than about 5° to less than about 95°, greater than about 5° to less than about 60°, or greater than about 5° to less than about 30°.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may have a refractive index greater than that of the retroreflective film or the substrate.
  • the refractive index of the viscoelastic lightguide may be greater than about 0.002, greater than about 0.005, greater than about 0.01, greater than about 0.02, greater than about 0.03, greater than about 0.04, greater than about 0.05, greater than about 0.1, greater than about 0.2, greater than about 0.3, greater than about 0.4, or greater than about 0.5, as compared to the refractive index of the retroreflective film or substrate.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may have a refractive index less than that of the retroreflective film or substrate.
  • the refractive index of the viscoelastic lightguide may be less than about 0.002, less than about 0.005, less than about 0.01, less than about 0.02, less than about 0.03, less than about 0.04, less than about 0.05, less than about 0.1, less than about 0.2, less than about 0.3, less than about 0.4, or less than about 0.5, as compared to the refractive index of the retroreflective film or substrate.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate may have the same or nearly the same refractive index such that light can be extracted into the retroreflective film or substrate with little or no change to the light.
  • the refractive index difference of the viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate may be from about 0.001 to less than about 0.002.
  • the refractive index difference of the viscoelastic lightguide and the retroreflective film or substrate may be from about 0.002 to about 0.5, from about 0.005 to about 0.5, from about 0.01 to about 0.5, from about 0.02 to about 0.5, from about 0.03 to about 0.5, from about 0.04 to about 0.5, from about 0.05 to about 0.5, from about 0.1 to about 0.5, from about 0.2 to about 0.5, from about 0.3 to about 0.5, or from about 0.4 to about 0.5.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may have any bulk three-dimensional shape as is needed for a given application.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be in the form of a square or rectangular layer, sheet, film, etc.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be cut or divided into shapes as described below.
  • the thickness of the viscoelastic lightguide is not particularly limited as long as it can function as desired. As described above for the front lit configuration, the thickness of the viscoelastic lightguide used in the back lit configuration may be selected based on or in conjunction with the light source. Exemplary thicknesses for the viscoelastic lightguide in the back lit configuration range from about 0.4 mil to about 1000 mil, from about 1 mil to about 300 mil, from about 1 mil to about 60 mil, or from about 0.5 mil to about 30 mil.
  • the amount and direction of light extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide in the back lit configuration may be controlled, at the very least, by the shape, size, number, arrangement, etc. of the features, the refractive indices of the viscoelastic lightguide and any medium with which the lightguide is in contact, the shape and size of the viscoelastic lightguide, and the angular distribution of light that is allowed to enter the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • variables may be selected such that from about 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about 90% of light is extracted from the viscoelastic lightguide relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.
  • Retroreflective films described above for the front lit configuration are suitable for use in the back lit configuration.
  • the amount of light transmitted through the retroreflective film may be greater than about 10%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90% relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.
  • the amount of light transmitted through the retroreflective film may be from about 10 to about 50%, from about 20 to about 50%, from about 30 to about 50%, from about 50 to about 70%, from about 50 to about 80%, or from about 10 to about 90% relative to the total amount of light that enters the lightguide.
  • the light source and the means by which it is powered may be the same as those described above for the front lit configuration.
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 500 which includes optical article 501 and light source 105 .
  • viscoelastic lightguide 110 is farther from the viewer as indicated by eye 120 .
  • Light source 105 is positioned relative to viscoelastic lightguide 110 such that light emitted by the light source enters viscoelastic lightguide 110 and is transported within the layer by total internal reflection.
  • Optical article 501 comprises retroreflective sheeting 240 . In general, any retroreflective film described herein can be used in place of retroreflective sheeting 240 , for example, retroreflective film 140 can be used.
  • Optical article 501 comprises first optional layer 505 , second optional layer 510 and third optional layer 515 .
  • the first and/or second optional layers may have a variety of light transmittance and haze properties.
  • the first optional layer comprises an optically clear substrate having high light transmittance of from about 80 to about 100%, from about 90 to about 100%, from about 95 to about 100%, or from about 98 to about 100% over at least a portion of the visible light spectrum.
  • the first optional layer has low light transmittance, for example, from about 0.1 to about 70%, from about 0.1 to about 50%, or from about 0.1 to about 20%.
  • the first optional layer has a haze value of from about 0.01 to less than about 5%, from about 0.01 to less than about 3%, or from about 0.01 to less than about 1%.
  • the first and/or second optional layer comprises a polymeric film.
  • Useful polymeric films include cellulose acetate, poly(meth)acrylate (acrylate and/or methacrylate), polyether sulfone, polyurethane, polyester, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, syndiotactic polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, copolymer or blend based on naphthalene dicarboxylic acids, or some combination thereof.
  • the first optional layer comprises a poly(meth)acrylate having a refractive index greater than that of the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • the second optional layer may comprise a release liner as described above.
  • the second optional layer may be used to provide an image as described above.
  • the second optional layer may be an adhesive.
  • Useful adhesives include optically clear adhesives, optically diffuse adhesives, radiation cured adhesives, thermal cured adhesives, hot melt adhesives, cold seal adhesives, heat activated adhesives, adhesives that cure at room temperature.
  • the third optional layer may comprise a nanofoam which typically comprises a nanostructured, porous material containing pores with diameters of less than about 100 nm.
  • the third optional layer may comprise an aerogel which is a low-density solid state material derived from gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with air. Silica, alumina and carbon aerogels are exemplary aerogels that may be used.
  • the third optional layer may comprise a low refractive index material such as a polymer film filled with white particles.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide comprises an input surface adapted to receive light from the light source.
  • the input surface may have a variety of topographies depending on the optical coupling means and/or the particular light source.
  • the input surface may have an appropriate curvature.
  • the input edge comprising the input surface may have a particular cavity, for example a concave hemispherical cavity, to receive a convex lens of a light source.
  • the input surface may have refractive structures such as prisms or lenses to optically couple light from the light source into the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • an extractor article disposed between the light source and the input edge may be used to facilitate optical coupling with at least some of the light emitted by the light source.
  • Useful extractor articles may have an appropriate curvature for extracting light from the light source.
  • a coupling material for matching refractive indices of the viscoelastic lightguide and some element of the light source may be used.
  • a crosslinkable material may be used for attaching the viscoelastic lightguide to some part of the light source, and subsequently cured using heat and/or light to form the crosslinked material.
  • the light source may be optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide such that at least some of the light from the light source can enter the lightguide.
  • a light source may be optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide such that from about 1 to about 10%, from about 1 to about 20%, from about 1 to about 30%, from about 1 to about 40%, from about 1 to about 50%, from about 1 to about 100%, from about 1 to about 100%, from about 50 to about 100%, or from about 1 to about 100% of light emitted by the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • the light source may emit light having a random or a particular angular distribution.
  • the light source may comprise any suitable light source.
  • Exemplary light sources include linear light sources such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps and point light sources such as light emitting diode (LEDs).
  • Exemplary light sources also include organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, halogen lamps, UV bulbs, infrared sources, near-infrared sources, lasers, or chemical light sources.
  • OLEDs organic light-emitting devices
  • incandescent bulbs incandescent bulbs
  • fluorescent bulbs halogen lamps
  • UV bulbs infrared sources
  • near-infrared sources lasers
  • chemical light sources In general, the light emitted by the light source may be visible or invisible.
  • At least one light source may be used. For example, from 1 to about 10,000 light sources may be used.
  • the light source may comprise a row of LEDs positioned at or near an edge of the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • the light source may comprise LEDs arranged on a circuit such that light emitted from the LEDs lights up continuously or uniformly the viscoelastic lightguide throughout a desired area.
  • the light source may comprise LEDs that emit light of different colors such that the colors can mix within the viscoelastic lightguide. In this way, a graphic could be designed to appear differently at different times during its use.
  • the light source may be powered by any suitable means.
  • the light source may be powered using a battery, a DC power supply, an AC to DC power supply, an AC power supply, or a solar photovoltaic cell.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be made using any method or process commonly used for making viscoelastic articles. Typical processes comprise those that are continuous processes such as continuous cast and cure, extrusion, microreplication, and embossing methods. Various types of radiation may be used for processes in which a material needs to be cured, e.g., crosslinked. Conventional molding processes may also be used. Molds may be made by micro-machining and polishing of a mold material to create the desired features, structured surfaces, etc. Laser ablation may be used to structure a surface of the viscoelastic lightguide and molds. Further detailed description of these processes is described in the Sherman et al. references cited above.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be formed on the retroreflective film by coating a viscoelastic material on the retroreflective film.
  • the viscoelastic material may then be treated to form the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • the viscoelastic material may be extruded onto the retroreflective film in the form of a layer and cooled to solidify the material to form the lightguide.
  • the viscoelastic material may be curable and treated by heating and/or applying radiation to form the lightguide.
  • the viscoelastic material may include solvent and the lightguide is formed by removing the solvent.
  • an optical article having a partially cured retroreflective film or lightguide, respectively may be made.
  • chemically curing materials may be used such that the material is crosslinked.
  • the retroreflective film material or the viscoelastic material may be cured before, after and/or during contact with another material or the light source.
  • the optical articles and optical devices disclosed herein may be provided in any number of ways.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be provided as sheets or strips laid flat, or they can be rolled up to form a roll.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be packaged as single items, or in multiples, in sets, etc.
  • the optical articles and light sources may be provided in an assembled form, i.e., as an optical device.
  • the optical articles and light sources may be provided as kits wherein the two are separate from each other and assembled at some point by the user.
  • the optical articles and light sources may also be provided separately such that they can be mixed and matched according to the needs of the user.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be temporarily or permanently assembled to light up.
  • optical articles disclosed herein may be altered depending on a particular use.
  • the optical articles can be cut or divided by any suitable means, e.g., using a scissors or a die cutting method.
  • a particularly useful die cutting method is described in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/046,813 incorporated herein by reference.
  • the optical articles and devices may be cut or divided into different shapes such as alphabetic letters; numbers; geometric shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles, stars and the like.
  • optical articles and optical devices may be used for signage such as for graphic arts applications.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used on or in windows, walls, wallpaper, wall hangings, pictures, posters, billboards, pillars, doors, floormats, vehicles, or anywhere signage is used.
  • Exemplary optical articles a may be used on curved surfaces as shown in FIG. 19 of 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross section of exemplary optical device 600 comprising optical article 601 and light sources 605 and 606 .
  • light is observable on both sides of the device as shown by eyes 620 and 621 .
  • First viscoelastic lightguides 610 and second viscoelastic lightguide 611 are disposed on opposing sides of third optional layer 650 .
  • First retroreflective film 640 is disposed on first viscoelastic layer 610 opposite third optional layer 650 .
  • second retroreflective film 641 is disposed on second viscoelastic layer 611 opposite third optional layer 650 .
  • Optical article 601 is an example of a double-sided graphic in which graphics on opposing sides of the third optional layer 650 have back lit configurations.
  • optical articles may be designed to be double-sided for a variety of applications.
  • a double-sided optical article may have two back lit configurations, two front lit configurations or a combination thereof.
  • optical articles and optical devices may be used in a variety of items such as reading lights; party and holiday decorations such as hats, ornaments, string lighting, balloons, gift bags, greeting cards, wrapping paper; desk and computer accessories such as desk mats, mousepads, notepad holders, writing instruments; sporting items such as fishing lures; craft items such as knitting needles; personal items such as toothbrushes; household and office items such as clock faces, wall plates for light switches, hooks, tools.
  • An exemplary optical article for one of these applications is shown in FIG. 21 of 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used on clothing and clothing accessories for decorative and/or safety purposes.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used on outerwear for cyclists, or on clothing or headgear for miners.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used on or in straps and wristbands of watches, or on or in watch faces.
  • An exemplary optical article for one of these applications is shown in FIG. 22 of 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used anywhere light is needed or desired.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be disposed on a top surface of a shelf such that light from the article or device, respectively, is emitted in an upward direction.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be disposed on a bottom surface of a shelf such that light from the article or device, respectively, is emitted in a downward direction.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may also be disposed on or within a shelf having a light transmissive portion.
  • the articles and devices may be arranged such that light is emitted from the light transmissive portion.
  • An exemplary optical article for one of these applications is shown in FIG. 23 of 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009.
  • optical articles and devices may be used as flashlights.
  • optical articles and optical devices may be disposed on the outside or inside of a battery cover plate or other part of an electronic handheld device.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may or may not be hardwired to the electronic device's battery but could have its own power source.
  • the electronic device's battery cover may or may not be removable from the rest of the device comprising the display.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used for vehicles such as automobiles, marine vehicles, buses, trucks, railcars, trailers, aircraft, and aerospace vehicles.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used on almost any surface of a vehicle including the exterior, interior, or any in-between surface.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used to light up door handles on the exterior and/or interior of a vehicle.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used to illuminate trunk compartments, for example, they may be positioned on the underside of the trunk lid or inside the compartment.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used on bumpers, spoilers, floor boards, windows, on or as tail lights, sill plate lights, puddle lights, emergency flashers, center high mounted stop lights, or side lights and markers.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used to illuminate the inside of engine compartments, for example, they may be positioned on the underside of the hood, inside the compartment, or on an engine part.
  • the optical articles and devices may also be used on the edge surfaces of vehicular doors between the exterior and interior panels of the doors. These optical articles and devices may be used to provide a variety of information for the user, manufacturer, etc.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used to illuminate the instrument panel of a vehicle where lighted areas are typically displayed.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used on other interior items such as cupholders, consoles, handles, seats, doors, dashboards, headrests, steering wheels, wheels, portable lights, compasses, and the like.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used on back or pass areas for reading light or to provide ambient lighting for inside a vehicle.
  • FIG. 24 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009. shows an exemplary automobile having optical articles 2400 and 2401.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used in the manufacture of an item or as a replacement part of an item.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be sold to an automobile manufacturer or automobile repair shop for assembly or repair of some specific part of an automobile.
  • FIG. 25 of 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009. shows an exemplary automobile having tail light 2500.
  • An optical article or optical device (not shown) is disposed behind the outside layer of the tail light which is typically red, yellow or clear plastic.
  • the tail light may comprise a cavity with a light bulb or LED as a light source.
  • An optical article or device may be used in the cavity as a replacement for the light source.
  • the tail light may not comprise a cavity or at least comprise a much smaller cavity than is used in today's automobiles.
  • An optical article or optical device may be disposed behind or within the outside layer of the tail light such that the overall size of the tail light is reduced.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used for traffic safety such as for traffic signs, street signs, highway dividers and barriers, toll booths, pavement markings, and work zone identification signs and markings.
  • the optical articles and devices may be used on license plates for decoration, to provide information such as vehicle registration, etc.
  • the optical articles and devices may also be used to provide light near license plates such that the license plates are lit up from the side, top, etc.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used with illumination devices comprising hollow light recycling cavities sometimes referred to as backlight assemblies.
  • Backlight assemblies may be used for signage or general lighting.
  • Exemplary backlight assemblies are disclosed in WO 2006/125174 (Hoffman et al.) and US 2008/0074901 (David et al.) all incorporated herein by reference.
  • the optical articles and optical devices disclosed herein may be used to replace the light sources described in these references.
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross section of an exemplary backlight assembly 700 .
  • the backlight assembly comprises housing 705 having a plurality of internal surfaces 706 a - c and two opposing side surfaces 707 a and b (not shown) substantially parallel to the plane of the cross section. At least one of these internal surfaces 706 a - c and 707 a and b is reflective.
  • Backlight assembly 700 also comprises light sources 710 positioned along the bottom of the assembly, however, the light sources may also be positioned along any of the other sides of the housing.
  • Backlight assembly 700 also comprises optical article 720 .
  • Housing 705 and optical article 720 form an enclosed backlight.
  • Housing 705 may comprise metal and/or polymer.
  • Reflective internal surfaces may comprise any of the reflectors and reflective surfaces described above.
  • optical article 720 comprises multilayer optical film 721 , viscoelastic lightguide 722 disposed on the multilayer optical film, retroreflective film 723 disposed on the lightguide opposite the multilayer optical film, and additional layer 724 disposed on the retroreflective film opposite the lightguide.
  • the multilayer optical film may comprise a three-quarter mirror as described above.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide 722 and retroreflective film 723 may each comprise any of those described above.
  • Additional layer 724 may comprise any material that transmits light from inside the enclosed backlight to outside illumination device 700 .
  • Additional layer 724 may comprise a polymeric film which may be diffusive and/or translucent. Polymeric film 724 may also provide an image as described above and in 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009.
  • the optical articles and optical devices may be used on or in display devices such as cell phones, personal digital devices, MP3 players, digital picture frames, monitors, laptop computers, projectors such as mini-projectors, global positioning displays, televisions, etc.
  • the optical articles may be used in place of conventional lightguides used to backlight a display panel of the display device.
  • the viscoelastic lightguide may be used to replace a solid or hollow lightguide that distributes light from one or more substantially linear or point light sources.
  • the display device can be assembled without the need for adhesives to bond display components to the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • Exemplary display devices include those having LCD and plasma display panels. Exemplary display devices are described in 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009; (US 2008/232135 A1 (Kinder et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,696 (Allen et al.).
  • the optical articles and devices may be used for lighting buttons and keypads in various electronic devices including the display devices described above.
  • the optical articles and devices are used in place of a conventional lightguide as described in FIG. 28 of 61/169,973 filed on Apr. 16, 2009 (64347US008, Sherman et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,535 (Hoyle); U.S. 2007/0279391 A1 (Marttila, et al.), U.S. 2008/0053800 A1 (Hoyle), and U.S. Ser. No. 12/199,862 all incorporated herein by reference.
  • optical articles and optical devices disclosed herein may be incorporated into security films or laminates. These security laminates are used to protect documents or packages to ensure that underlying items are not altered. Security laminates may be used to make driver licenses, passports, tamper proof seals and the like. Exemplary security film constructions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,171 (Faykish); U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,842 (Florczak et al.); and U.S. Ser. No. 12/257,223 all incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross section of an exemplary optical article 800 comprising viscoelastic lightguide 801 and retroreflective film 802 .
  • Retroreflective film 802 may comprise a holographic film.
  • Adhesive layer 820 is patterned in the form of an image and this layer is disposed between retroreflective film 802 and adhesive layer 825 .
  • Adhesive layer 825 is disposed on document 830 which is a document to be protected.
  • Protective layer 840 protects the surface of the viscoelastic lightguide and/or other layers in between the protective layer and the lightguide.
  • Protective layer 840 is typically a polymeric film or glass.
  • Optical article 800 has a front lit configuration and back lit configurations may be used.
  • optical articles and optical devices may be used in the construction of an illuminated license plate.
  • Useful optical articles include the front lit and back lit optical articles described in U.S. 2007/0006493 (Eberwein); U.S. 2007/0031641 A1 (Frisch et al.); U.S. 20070209244 (Prollius et al.); WO 2008/076612 A1 (Eberwein); WO 2008/121475 A1 (Frisch); WO 2008/016978 (Wollner et al.) and WO 2007/92152 A2 (Eberwein); all incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross section of exemplary license plate assembly 900 having a back lit configuration. A similar assembly is shown in FIG. 6 of Prollius et al.
  • License plate assembly 900 comprises frame 901 onto which is disposed light source 905 .
  • Viscoelastic lightguide 910 is adjacent the light source.
  • Retroreflective film 930 is disposed on top of the viscoelastic lightguide relative to the viewer shown as eye 950 .
  • Disposed between the retroreflective film 930 and viscoelastic lightguide 910 is some material 940 having a relatively low refractive index as compared to that of retroreflective film 930 .
  • Material 940 may comprise air, a polymer or an aerogel as described above.
  • Viscoelastic lightguide 910 may comprise a PSA.
  • Useful adhesives include optically clear adhesives, optically diffuse adhesives, radiation cured adhesives, thermal cured adhesives, hot melt adhesives, cold seal adhesives, heat activated adhesives, adhesives that cure at room temperature.
  • Another exemplary license plate assembly comprises indicia disposed on the retroreflective film, thus eliminating the need for license plate 960 and adhesive layer 970 .
  • the retroreflective film is the license plate.
  • the sheeting may be “flipped over” such that the sealing film is closer than the body layer to the viewer.
  • viscoelastic lightguide is adjacent the sealing film.
  • a layer of an optically transmissive film such as polymethylmethacrylate (for protection) may be disposed on the opposite side of the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • a reflector such as a specular reflector may be disposed on the retroreflective sheeting opposite the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • viscoelastic lightguide is adjacent the body layer.
  • a reflector such as a specular reflector may be disposed on the retroreflective sheeting opposite the viscoelastic lightguide.
  • a 3-layer laminate was prepared from 3 pieces of tape (VHBTM Acrylic Tape 4910F from 3M Company) comprising a clear acrylic PSA having a nominal thickness 1 mm and a refractive index of 1.473 as measured using an Abbe refractometer.
  • a hand roller was used to prepare the 3-layer laminate.
  • This 3-layer laminate was then laminated to the face surface (viewer's side) of 3MTM Diamond GradeTM Reflective Sheeting from 3MTM Company (4′′ ⁇ 8′′ area) so that the sheeting was front lit.
  • a side-emitting LED was pressed into the core PSA from one end and light was easily passed through the entire 8 inches of the 3-layer laminate and was able to be visibly seen exiting. Light was also extracted perpendicular to the light source along the white hexagon seal pattern of the sheeting.
  • An adhesive composition formulated with 90/10 isooctyl acrylate/acrylic acid, 0.3 wt % hexanediol diacrylate and 0.2 wt % IRGACURE 651 photoinitiator (Ciba Specialty) was coated onto a 5 mil mirror film (VikuitiTM Enhanced Specular Reflector from 3MTM Co.) which had 2 ribbons of side-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached 9 inches apart (with double stick adhesive).
  • the adhesive composition was coated using a notched bar knife coater and covered with a silicone release liner (CP Films T10 2.0 mil polyester release liner).
  • the adhesive composition was cured using a low intensity UV lamp for 15 minutes.
  • the adhesive composition was coated at a wet thickness of 70 mils to completely encapsulate the LED ribbons.
  • the adhesive had a thickness of 40 mils and a refractive index of 1.474 (as measured on an Abbe refractometer).
  • the adhesive was removed from the ribbons at a connection point so that the LEDs could be powered.
  • 3MTM Diamond GradeTM DG3 Reflective Sheeting (Series 4000) was then laminated on top of this LED embedded lightguide construction (9′′ ⁇ 36′′ area). The encapsulated side emitting LEDs were powered and light was easily passed through the entire 9 inches of PSA length and was able to be visibly seen exiting through the reflective sheeting.
  • An adhesive composition formulated with 90/10 isooctyl acrylate/acrylic acid, 0.3 wt % hexanediol diacrylate and 0.2 wt % IRGACURE 651 photoinitiator (Ciba Specialty) was coated onto a 5 mil mirror film (VikuitiTM Enhanced Specular Reflector from 3MTM Co.) which had 2 ribbons of side-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached 9 inches apart (with double stick adhesive).
  • the adhesive composition was coated using a notched bar knife coater and covered with a silicone release liner (CP Films T10 2.0 mil polyester release liner).
  • the adhesive composition was cured using a low intensity UV lamp for 15 minutes.
  • the adhesive composition was coated at a wet thickness of 70 mils to completely encapsulate the LED ribbons.
  • the adhesive had a thickness of 40 mils and a refractive index of 1.474 (as measured on an Abbe refractometer).
  • the adhesive was removed from the ribbons at a connection point so that the LEDs could be powered.
  • Flexible reflective sheeting comprising 3MTM Diamond GradeTM Reflective Sheeting without the polycarbonate film was then laminated on top of this LED embedded light guide construction (9′′ ⁇ 36′′ area). The encapsulated side emitting LEDs were powered and light was easily passed through the entire 9 inches of PSA length and was able to be visibly seen exiting through the reflective sheeting.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)
  • Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
  • Diffracting Gratings Or Hologram Optical Elements (AREA)
  • Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
  • Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)
US13/002,810 2008-07-10 2009-06-26 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide Expired - Fee Related US8651720B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/002,810 US8651720B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2009-06-26 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7963908P 2008-07-10 2008-07-10
US11486508P 2008-11-14 2008-11-14
US16997309P 2009-04-16 2009-04-16
US17667209P 2009-05-08 2009-05-08
PCT/US2009/048876 WO2010005810A2 (en) 2008-07-10 2009-06-26 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US13/002,810 US8651720B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2009-06-26 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2009/048876 A-371-Of-International WO2010005810A2 (en) 2008-07-10 2009-06-26 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/177,332 Continuation US9551475B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2014-02-11 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110182076A1 US20110182076A1 (en) 2011-07-28
US8651720B2 true US8651720B2 (en) 2014-02-18

Family

ID=41507674

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/002,810 Expired - Fee Related US8651720B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2009-06-26 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US14/177,332 Expired - Fee Related US9551475B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2014-02-11 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/177,332 Expired - Fee Related US9551475B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2014-02-11 Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US8651720B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP2307914A4 (ja)
JP (1) JP5681104B2 (ja)
KR (1) KR101578250B1 (ja)
CN (1) CN102138086B (ja)
TW (1) TW201007086A (ja)
WO (1) WO2010005810A2 (ja)

Cited By (43)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110122494A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2011-05-26 Sherman Audrey A Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US20140160764A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2014-06-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US9064642B2 (en) 2013-03-10 2015-06-23 Apple Inc. Rattle-free keyswitch mechanism
US9291752B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2016-03-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflecting optical construction
US9412533B2 (en) 2013-05-27 2016-08-09 Apple Inc. Low travel switch assembly
US9449772B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2016-09-20 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US9502193B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2016-11-22 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US9618663B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2017-04-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US9640347B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2017-05-02 Apple Inc. Keycaps with reduced thickness
US9704665B2 (en) 2014-05-19 2017-07-11 Apple Inc. Backlit keyboard including reflective component
US9704670B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2017-07-11 Apple Inc. Keycaps having reduced thickness
US9710069B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2017-07-18 Apple Inc. Flexible printed circuit having flex tails upon which keyboard keycaps are coupled
US9715978B2 (en) 2014-05-27 2017-07-25 Apple Inc. Low travel switch assembly
US9779889B2 (en) 2014-03-24 2017-10-03 Apple Inc. Scissor mechanism features for a keyboard
US9791604B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2017-10-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US9793066B1 (en) 2014-01-31 2017-10-17 Apple Inc. Keyboard hinge mechanism
US9870880B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2018-01-16 Apple Inc. Dome switch and switch housing for keyboard assembly
US9908310B2 (en) 2013-07-10 2018-03-06 Apple Inc. Electronic device with a reduced friction surface
US9927895B2 (en) 2013-02-06 2018-03-27 Apple Inc. Input/output device with a dynamically adjustable appearance and function
US9934915B2 (en) 2015-06-10 2018-04-03 Apple Inc. Reduced layer keyboard stack-up
US9971084B2 (en) 2015-09-28 2018-05-15 Apple Inc. Illumination structure for uniform illumination of keys
US9997304B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-06-12 Apple Inc. Uniform illumination of keys
US9997308B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-06-12 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanism for an input device
US10083806B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-09-25 Apple Inc. Keyboard for electronic device
US10082880B1 (en) 2014-08-28 2018-09-25 Apple Inc. System level features of a keyboard
US10115544B2 (en) 2016-08-08 2018-10-30 Apple Inc. Singulated keyboard assemblies and methods for assembling a keyboard
US10128064B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-11-13 Apple Inc. Keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses and method of forming keyboard assemblies
US20190101685A1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2019-04-04 Dexerials Corporation Optical body, method for manufacturing optical body, and light-emitting apparatus
US10353485B1 (en) 2016-07-27 2019-07-16 Apple Inc. Multifunction input device with an embedded capacitive sensing layer
US10444418B2 (en) * 2017-02-21 2019-10-15 Hades-Gaming Corporation Mouse pad having multiple light guide plates
US20190324328A1 (en) * 2018-04-20 2019-10-24 Chi Mei Corporation Optical plate with protrusions, optical structure, backlight module and display device
US10457201B2 (en) 2016-11-22 2019-10-29 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Badge assemblies that emanate visible iridescent patterns
US10518719B2 (en) 2016-10-20 2019-12-31 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Iridescent vehicular trim assemblies and multi-shot injection molding methods for making the same
US10755877B1 (en) 2016-08-29 2020-08-25 Apple Inc. Keyboard for an electronic device
US10775850B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2020-09-15 Apple Inc. Computer with keyboard
US10796863B2 (en) 2014-08-15 2020-10-06 Apple Inc. Fabric keyboard
US10838117B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2020-11-17 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Reflector for vehicles
US11001979B2 (en) 2018-08-13 2021-05-11 Vergence Automation, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ultrawide entrance angle reflective articles for use with autonomous vehicle machine vision systems
US11124133B2 (en) 2016-04-19 2021-09-21 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Iridescent badges for vehicles
US11203281B1 (en) 2020-09-21 2021-12-21 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Visible light manipulating emblem for a vehicle
US11500538B2 (en) 2016-09-13 2022-11-15 Apple Inc. Keyless keyboard with force sensing and haptic feedback
US11578854B1 (en) 2020-02-26 2023-02-14 Terrand B. Grall High visibility tape
US11762133B1 (en) 2018-09-13 2023-09-19 Vergence Automation, Inc. Retroreflective materials and articles incorporating near-ideal total internal retroreflective elements

Families Citing this family (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102124384B (zh) 2008-07-10 2016-10-12 3M创新有限公司 粘弹性光导
US9285531B2 (en) 2008-08-08 2016-03-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Lightguide having a viscoelastic layer for managing light
EP2379660A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2011-10-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasable adhesive tape
WO2010121054A1 (en) * 2009-04-15 2010-10-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective sheeting including a low index coating
JP5775078B2 (ja) 2009-08-21 2015-09-09 スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー 耐水性応力分散材料を用いる、組織損傷を低減するための方法及び製品
CN102573692B (zh) 2009-08-21 2015-03-25 3M创新有限公司 用于照明组织的方法和产品
BR112012003740A2 (pt) 2009-08-21 2020-08-11 3M Innovantive Properties Company kits e compósitos de distribuição de tensão
EP2494389A2 (en) 2009-10-30 2012-09-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination device having remotely powered lightguide
US9239417B2 (en) 2010-02-10 2016-01-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination device having viscoelastic layer
US8427747B2 (en) * 2010-04-22 2013-04-23 3M Innovative Properties Company OLED light extraction films laminated onto glass substrates
DE102010019194A1 (de) * 2010-05-04 2011-11-10 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Wertdokument mit Ausnehmung
US8789981B2 (en) * 2010-10-01 2014-07-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Light directing expandable envelope
KR101287493B1 (ko) 2010-12-23 2013-07-18 엘지이노텍 주식회사 백라이트유닛 및 이를 이용한 액정표시장치
CA2821359C (en) 2011-10-24 2016-11-22 Mark Elliott Display apparatus
KR101896935B1 (ko) * 2011-12-22 2018-09-12 엘지이노텍 주식회사 휘도 및 내구성 향상을 위한 재귀반사구조체 및 그 형성 방법
US8328403B1 (en) * 2012-03-21 2012-12-11 Morgan Solar Inc. Light guide illumination devices
JP2014024537A (ja) * 2012-06-19 2014-02-06 3M Innovative Properties Co ナンバープレート用シート、ナンバープレート用積層体、ナンバープレートおよびナンバープレート用装飾部材
US8944662B2 (en) 2012-08-13 2015-02-03 3M Innovative Properties Company Diffractive luminaires
US9835786B2 (en) 2012-08-15 2017-12-05 Apple Inc. Display backlight with diffractive and refractive light scattering structures
JP2014085640A (ja) * 2012-10-26 2014-05-12 Bando Chem Ind Ltd フロアマーキング用シート、及び、フレキシブル電飾フロアマット
CN104837949A (zh) 2012-12-14 2015-08-12 3M创新有限公司 通过使用电离辐射聚合烯键式不饱和材料来制备封装的粘弹性组合物的方法
KR20150096699A (ko) 2012-12-14 2015-08-25 쓰리엠 이노베이티브 프로퍼티즈 캄파니 이온화 방사선을 사용하여 에틸렌계 불포화 재료를 중합하는 방법
DE202013101400U1 (de) * 2013-04-02 2014-07-03 Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh Anordnung zum Konvertieren des von einer LED-Lichtquelle emittierten Lichts
WO2015036045A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement Lightguide tamper seal
DE102013110839A1 (de) * 2013-10-01 2015-04-02 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für Fahrzeuge
US10315399B2 (en) 2013-12-31 2019-06-11 Entrotech, Inc. Methods for application of polymeric film and related assemblies
TWI547537B (zh) * 2014-01-28 2016-09-01 明基材料股份有限公司 導光膠帶
KR102249863B1 (ko) * 2014-03-17 2021-05-10 엘지이노텍 주식회사 조명 부재 및 이를 이용하는 조명 장치
KR102249869B1 (ko) * 2014-03-17 2021-05-12 엘지이노텍 주식회사 측면 반사를 이용하는 조명 부재 및 이를 이용하는 조명 장치
DE102014213549A1 (de) * 2014-07-11 2016-01-14 Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh Hinterleuchtungseinrichtung
US9862124B2 (en) 2014-07-18 2018-01-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Multilayer optical adhesives and methods of making same
CN105321437A (zh) 2014-08-05 2016-02-10 王盘龙 标志、标牌照明装置与方法和系统
WO2016137274A1 (ko) * 2015-02-26 2016-09-01 엘지이노텍(주) 프론트 라이트 유닛 및 영상 표시 장치
KR101684117B1 (ko) 2015-05-27 2016-12-07 현대자동차주식회사 차량용 무드등
KR102526749B1 (ko) * 2015-09-24 2023-04-27 삼성전자주식회사 홀로그래픽 디스플레이용 백 라이트 유닛
DE112016005082A5 (de) * 2015-11-06 2018-09-06 Erich Utsch Ag Retroreflektierende Folie, Verfahren und Vorrichtung zu ihrer Herstellung sowie retroreflektierendes Schild, Herstellungsverfahren und -vorrichtung
DE102016111354A1 (de) * 2016-06-21 2017-12-21 Bundesdruckerei Gmbh Authentifikationsdokument
FR3074116B1 (fr) * 2017-11-30 2021-06-18 Plastic Omnium Cie Piece de carrosserie comportant un element optique rapporte par emboitage elastique
US20190241138A1 (en) * 2018-02-08 2019-08-08 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Illuminated vehicle panel
KR101971099B1 (ko) * 2018-02-21 2019-04-23 주식회사 부보 재귀반사 구조를 이용한 발광 안전 밴드
DE102018003602A1 (de) * 2018-05-03 2019-11-07 Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh Retroreflektierende Folie, Folie, Datenträger und Verwendung
DE102018207071B4 (de) * 2018-05-07 2023-10-05 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Bedien- und/oder Anzeigeelement für ein Kraftfahrzeug
DE102019207066B4 (de) 2019-05-15 2022-02-17 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Bedienvorrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug sowie Verfahren zur Herstellung der Bedienvorrichtung
WO2021137644A1 (ko) * 2019-12-31 2021-07-08 미래나노텍글로벌(주) 재귀 반사 시트 및 이를 이용한 차량용 번호판
WO2021151459A1 (en) 2020-01-27 2021-08-05 Orell Füssli AG Security document with lightguide having a sparse outcoupler structure
KR20220048517A (ko) * 2020-10-12 2022-04-20 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 표시 장치
CN112965156A (zh) * 2021-03-30 2021-06-15 河南车路智通信息技术有限公司 主动发光逆反射膜及其制备方法
CN113374546A (zh) * 2021-06-27 2021-09-10 西北工业大学 一种基于圆台加圆柱形凸起的阵列冲击结构

Citations (98)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2440584A (en) 1944-06-19 1948-04-27 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Lenticular reflex reflector sheet and method of making the same
US2736721A (en) 1952-10-08 1956-02-28 Optionally
US3718712A (en) 1971-03-01 1973-02-27 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Pressure-sensitive adhesives based on cyclic terpene urethane resin
US4082426A (en) 1976-11-26 1978-04-04 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Retroreflective sheeting with retroreflective markings
US4418110A (en) 1982-06-21 1983-11-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Vapor-permeable retroreflective sheeting
US4554324A (en) 1982-09-16 1985-11-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Acrylate copolymer pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and sheet materials coated therewith
US4737559A (en) 1986-05-19 1988-04-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Pressure-sensitive adhesive crosslinked by copolymerizable aromatic ketone monomers
US4808471A (en) 1985-03-01 1989-02-28 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Flat transparent top coat for retroreflective sheeting
US5064272A (en) 1985-11-18 1991-11-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting and method of making
US5066098A (en) 1987-05-15 1991-11-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Cellular encapsulated-lens high whiteness retroreflective sheeting with flexible cover sheet
US5214119A (en) 1986-06-20 1993-05-25 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Block copolymer, method of making the same, dimaine precursors of the same, method of making such diamines and end products comprising the block copolymer
EP0291206B1 (en) 1987-05-15 1994-06-08 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Cellular, encapsulated-lens high whiteness retroreflective sheeting with flexible cover sheet
US5450235A (en) 1993-10-20 1995-09-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Flexible cube-corner retroreflective sheeting
US5506279A (en) 1993-10-13 1996-04-09 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Acrylamido functional disubstituted acetyl aryl ketone photoinitiators
US5510171A (en) 1995-01-19 1996-04-23 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Durable security laminate with hologram
US5784197A (en) 1996-04-01 1998-07-21 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Ultra-flexible retroreflective sheeting with coated back surface
US5825543A (en) 1996-02-29 1998-10-20 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Diffusely reflecting polarizing element including a first birefringent phase and a second phase
US5828488A (en) 1993-12-21 1998-10-27 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Reflective polarizer display
US5867316A (en) 1996-02-29 1999-02-02 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Multilayer film having a continuous and disperse phase
US5882774A (en) 1993-12-21 1999-03-16 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Optical film
US5905826A (en) 1996-01-24 1999-05-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Conspicuity marking system including light guide and retroreflective structure
US6033604A (en) 1998-12-02 2000-03-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for molding light extraction structures onto a light guide
US6060157A (en) 1994-11-29 2000-05-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Transparent decorative article having an etched appearing/prismatic image thereon
US6083856A (en) 1997-12-01 2000-07-04 3M Innovative Properties Company Acrylate copolymeric fibers
US6096066A (en) 1998-09-11 2000-08-01 Light Sciences Limited Partnership Conformal patch for administering light therapy to subcutaneous tumors
US6102559A (en) 1999-01-25 2000-08-15 Ford Motor Company Multi-function vehicle taillight system with unitary optic
US6166856A (en) 1997-06-16 2000-12-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Self light-emitting retroreflective sheet and method for producing the same
US6179948B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2001-01-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical film and process for manufacture thereof
US6280822B1 (en) 1999-01-11 2001-08-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Cube corner cavity based retroeflectors with transparent fill material
US6288172B1 (en) 1995-06-26 2001-09-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Light diffusing adhesive
US6288842B1 (en) 2000-02-22 2001-09-11 3M Innovative Properties Sheeting with composite image that floats
US6314226B1 (en) 1997-02-28 2001-11-06 NATH GüNTHER Flexible lightguide with a liquid core
US6352761B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2002-03-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Modified copolyesters and improved multilayer reflective films
US6368699B1 (en) 1995-06-26 2002-04-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Multilayer polymer film with additional coatings or layers
US20030034445A1 (en) 2001-08-15 2003-02-20 Boyd Gary T. Light guide for use with backlit display
US20030095770A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-05-22 Fewkes Edward J. Optical fiber coatings with pressure sensitive adhesive characteristics
US6569521B1 (en) 2000-07-06 2003-05-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive tape and articles
US6663978B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2003-12-16 3M Innovative Properties Company High refractive index pressure-sensitive adhesives
US6799880B2 (en) 2001-12-31 2004-10-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination device
US6827886B2 (en) 1998-01-13 2004-12-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for making multilayer optical films
US20050052750A1 (en) 2003-09-09 2005-03-10 King Vincent W. Microreplicated article
US20050070976A1 (en) 2001-11-17 2005-03-31 Samuel Ifor David William Therapeutic light-emitting device
US6927900B2 (en) 2001-01-15 2005-08-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Multilayer infrared reflecting film with high and smooth transmission in visible wavelength region and laminate articles made therefrom
US6972813B1 (en) 1999-06-09 2005-12-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical laminated bodies, lighting equipment and area luminescence equipment
US20050276071A1 (en) 2002-09-19 2005-12-15 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Display unit and electronic apparatus with display unit
US6991695B2 (en) 2002-05-21 2006-01-31 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly
US7005394B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2006-02-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Tackified thermoplastic-epoxy pressure sensitive adhesives
US20060084780A1 (en) 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Hebrink Timothy J Modified copolyesters and optical films including modified copolyesters
US7046905B1 (en) 1999-10-08 2006-05-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Blacklight with structured surfaces
US7090922B2 (en) 2001-12-18 2006-08-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Silicone priming compositions, articles, and methods
US20060187552A1 (en) 2005-02-24 2006-08-24 Pin-Chien Huang Composite structure for light diffusion
US20060216524A1 (en) 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Perfluoropolyether urethane additives having (meth)acryl groups and hard coats
US20060226561A1 (en) 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Heat setting optical films
US7140741B2 (en) 2003-12-30 2006-11-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Color shifting retroreflector and method of making same
US20070006493A1 (en) 2003-05-12 2007-01-11 Arnold Eberwein Illuminated license plate for vehicles and vehicle provided with the same
US7166686B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2007-01-23 3M Innovative Properties Company High refractive index pressure-sensitive adhesives
US20070026167A1 (en) 2001-12-14 2007-02-01 Bourdelais Robert P Microvoided light diffuser containing optical contact layer
US20070031641A1 (en) 2003-09-05 2007-02-08 3M Innovative Properties Company License plate for back illumination and method for making same
US20070047080A1 (en) 2005-08-31 2007-03-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of producing multilayer reflective polarizer
US20070081254A1 (en) 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of forming sheeting with a composite image that floats and sheeting with a composite image that floats
JP2007114271A (ja) 2005-10-18 2007-05-10 Kojinsha:Kk 封入レンズ型透光性再帰反射シートを設けた表示装置
US20070110960A1 (en) 2005-11-14 2007-05-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement marking, reflective elements, and methods of making microspheres
US20070152834A1 (en) 2002-10-08 2007-07-05 Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Retroreflective display devices
US7255920B2 (en) 2004-07-29 2007-08-14 3M Innovative Properties Company (Meth)acrylate block copolymer pressure sensitive adhesives
EP1477368B1 (en) 2003-05-12 2007-08-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Illuminated license plate for vehicles and vehicle provided with the same
US20070209244A1 (en) 2004-04-07 2007-09-13 Sven Prollius License plate assembly comprising light source and backlit license plate
US20070242356A1 (en) 2006-04-18 2007-10-18 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles comprising olefinic seal films
US20070267133A1 (en) 2006-05-19 2007-11-22 Lintec Corporation Pressure-sensitive adhesive for applying optically functional film, optically functional film and production process for the same
US20070279935A1 (en) 2006-05-31 2007-12-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Flexible light guide
US20070279391A1 (en) 2006-06-06 2007-12-06 Marttila Charles A Keypad with virtual image
US20070292650A1 (en) 2004-04-16 2007-12-20 Riken Technos Corporation Adhesive Sheet and a Release Liner
US7315418B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2008-01-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Polarizing beam splitter assembly having reduced stress
US7336422B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2008-02-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Sheeting with composite image that floats
US20080053800A1 (en) 2006-08-30 2008-03-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Keypad light guide
US20080074901A1 (en) 2006-09-21 2008-03-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Led backlight
US7361474B2 (en) 2003-02-24 2008-04-22 United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as marker for prostate cancer
US20080130126A1 (en) 2006-12-04 2008-06-05 3M Innovative Properties Company User interface including composite images that float
US20080232135A1 (en) 2006-05-31 2008-09-25 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide
US7498535B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2009-03-03 Square D Company Circuit breaker operator
US20090067151A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide with flexibility and durability
US20090229766A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2009-09-17 Aveldson Jason L Adhesive removal device
US20090229732A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2009-09-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasable adhesive
US20100048804A1 (en) 2007-10-19 2010-02-25 3M Innovative Properties Company High refractive index pressure-sensitive adhesives
US7695180B2 (en) 2005-08-27 2010-04-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination assembly and system
US20100103521A1 (en) 2008-10-22 2010-04-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective sheeting
US20100222496A1 (en) 2007-10-30 2010-09-02 Determan Michael D High refractive index adhesives
US20100297406A1 (en) 2007-11-08 2010-11-25 Schaffer Kevin R Optical adhesive with diffusive properties
US20110020640A1 (en) 2008-01-11 2011-01-27 Sherman Audrey A Stretch releasing optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive
US20110064916A1 (en) 2008-04-22 2011-03-17 Sherman Audrey A Method of making adhesive article
US20110109965A1 (en) 2008-07-08 2011-05-12 Gates Brian J Optical elements for showing virtual images
US20110122494A1 (en) 2008-07-10 2011-05-26 Sherman Audrey A Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US20110126968A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2011-06-02 Determan Michael D Stretch releasable adhesive tape
US20110134623A1 (en) 2008-08-08 2011-06-09 Sherman Audrey A Lightguide having a viscoelastic layer for managing light
US20110165361A1 (en) 2008-09-17 2011-07-07 Sherman Audrey A Optical adhesive with diffusive properties
US20110176325A1 (en) 2008-07-10 2011-07-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Viscoelastic lightguide
US7995278B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2011-08-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of forming sheeting with composite images that float and sheeting with composite images that float
US20110253301A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2011-10-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch Releasable Adhesive Tape
US20110268929A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2011-11-03 Tran Thu-Van T Stretch Releasable Adhesive Tape

Family Cites Families (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0422787U (ja) * 1990-06-18 1992-02-25
WO1995017692A1 (en) 1993-12-21 1995-06-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Reflective polarizer with brightness enhancement
MY131527A (en) 1993-12-21 2007-08-30 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Reflective polarizer display
EP0735952B1 (en) 1993-12-21 2000-03-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Multilayered optical film
EP1126292A3 (en) 1993-12-21 2006-03-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Optical Polarizer
JP3670343B2 (ja) * 1995-06-16 2005-07-13 ミネソタ マイニング アンド マニュファクチャリング カンパニー 再帰反射性構造体及びその製造方法
JPH1185073A (ja) * 1997-09-02 1999-03-30 Sasahara Hideki 表示装置
EP2147771B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2018-07-11 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Process for making multilayer optical films
US6720387B1 (en) 1998-02-18 2004-04-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Hot-melt adhesive compositions comprising acidic polymer and basic polymer blends
US6621973B1 (en) 2000-03-16 2003-09-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide with protective outer sleeve
US6623667B2 (en) 2001-02-28 2003-09-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for continuous fabrication of structured surface light guides
JP2003149642A (ja) * 2001-11-13 2003-05-21 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd 液晶用フロントライト
JP3602123B1 (ja) * 2003-12-17 2004-12-15 日本光機工業株式会社 交通標識装置
CA2579217C (en) * 2004-04-30 2014-04-29 Oy Modilis Ltd. Ultrathin lighting element
JP4453516B2 (ja) 2004-10-22 2010-04-21 凸版印刷株式会社 照明装置
JP2006227140A (ja) * 2005-02-16 2006-08-31 Lecip Corp エッジライトパネル
WO2006125174A2 (en) 2005-05-19 2006-11-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Thin internally illuminated sign
JP2007017522A (ja) * 2005-07-05 2007-01-25 Lintec Corp 平面型光導波路作製用樹脂シート
GB2433637A (en) 2005-12-21 2007-06-27 3M Innovative Properties Co Semi-transparent retroreflective material
GB0602105D0 (en) 2006-02-02 2006-03-15 3M Innovative Properties Co License plate assembly
KR100754686B1 (ko) * 2006-03-28 2007-09-03 삼성전자주식회사 키패드 어셈블리
JP2009545488A (ja) 2006-08-01 2009-12-24 スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー 照明装置
GB0615854D0 (en) 2006-08-10 2006-09-20 3M Innovative Properties Co Light guide for a lighting device
US20100028619A1 (en) 2006-09-11 2010-02-04 3M Innovative Properties Company Card with a tearable security laminate
EP1943551A2 (en) 2006-10-06 2008-07-16 Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc. Light guide
ATE556272T1 (de) 2006-10-06 2012-05-15 Qualcomm Mems Technologies Inc Optische verluststruktur in einer beleuchtungsvorrichtung
GB0625167D0 (en) 2006-12-18 2007-01-24 3M Innovative Properties Co System for illuminating a license plate
GB0706289D0 (en) 2007-03-30 2007-05-09 3M Innovative Properties Co Illuminated license plate
JP5416438B2 (ja) 2008-03-11 2014-02-12 株式会社クラレ メタクリル系樹脂組成物からなる導光体
CN102138086B (zh) * 2008-07-10 2014-11-26 3M创新有限公司 具有粘弹性光导的回射制品和装置
US9239417B2 (en) * 2010-02-10 2016-01-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination device having viscoelastic layer

Patent Citations (104)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2440584A (en) 1944-06-19 1948-04-27 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Lenticular reflex reflector sheet and method of making the same
US2736721A (en) 1952-10-08 1956-02-28 Optionally
US3718712A (en) 1971-03-01 1973-02-27 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Pressure-sensitive adhesives based on cyclic terpene urethane resin
US4082426A (en) 1976-11-26 1978-04-04 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Retroreflective sheeting with retroreflective markings
US4418110A (en) 1982-06-21 1983-11-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Vapor-permeable retroreflective sheeting
US4554324A (en) 1982-09-16 1985-11-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Acrylate copolymer pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and sheet materials coated therewith
US4808471A (en) 1985-03-01 1989-02-28 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Flat transparent top coat for retroreflective sheeting
US5064272A (en) 1985-11-18 1991-11-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting and method of making
US4737559A (en) 1986-05-19 1988-04-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Pressure-sensitive adhesive crosslinked by copolymerizable aromatic ketone monomers
US5214119A (en) 1986-06-20 1993-05-25 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Block copolymer, method of making the same, dimaine precursors of the same, method of making such diamines and end products comprising the block copolymer
US5066098A (en) 1987-05-15 1991-11-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Cellular encapsulated-lens high whiteness retroreflective sheeting with flexible cover sheet
EP0291206B1 (en) 1987-05-15 1994-06-08 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Cellular, encapsulated-lens high whiteness retroreflective sheeting with flexible cover sheet
US5506279A (en) 1993-10-13 1996-04-09 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Acrylamido functional disubstituted acetyl aryl ketone photoinitiators
US5450235A (en) 1993-10-20 1995-09-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Flexible cube-corner retroreflective sheeting
US5828488A (en) 1993-12-21 1998-10-27 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Reflective polarizer display
US5882774A (en) 1993-12-21 1999-03-16 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Optical film
US6060157A (en) 1994-11-29 2000-05-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Transparent decorative article having an etched appearing/prismatic image thereon
US5510171A (en) 1995-01-19 1996-04-23 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Durable security laminate with hologram
US6288172B1 (en) 1995-06-26 2001-09-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Light diffusing adhesive
US6368699B1 (en) 1995-06-26 2002-04-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Multilayer polymer film with additional coatings or layers
US5905826A (en) 1996-01-24 1999-05-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co. Conspicuity marking system including light guide and retroreflective structure
US5825543A (en) 1996-02-29 1998-10-20 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Diffusely reflecting polarizing element including a first birefringent phase and a second phase
US5867316A (en) 1996-02-29 1999-02-02 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Multilayer film having a continuous and disperse phase
US6111696A (en) 1996-02-29 2000-08-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Brightness enhancement film
US5784197A (en) 1996-04-01 1998-07-21 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Ultra-flexible retroreflective sheeting with coated back surface
US6314226B1 (en) 1997-02-28 2001-11-06 NATH GüNTHER Flexible lightguide with a liquid core
US6166856A (en) 1997-06-16 2000-12-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Self light-emitting retroreflective sheet and method for producing the same
US6083856A (en) 1997-12-01 2000-07-04 3M Innovative Properties Company Acrylate copolymeric fibers
US6827886B2 (en) 1998-01-13 2004-12-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for making multilayer optical films
US6179948B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2001-01-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical film and process for manufacture thereof
US6352761B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2002-03-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Modified copolyesters and improved multilayer reflective films
US7005394B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2006-02-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Tackified thermoplastic-epoxy pressure sensitive adhesives
US6096066A (en) 1998-09-11 2000-08-01 Light Sciences Limited Partnership Conformal patch for administering light therapy to subcutaneous tumors
US6033604A (en) 1998-12-02 2000-03-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for molding light extraction structures onto a light guide
US6280822B1 (en) 1999-01-11 2001-08-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Cube corner cavity based retroeflectors with transparent fill material
US6102559A (en) 1999-01-25 2000-08-15 Ford Motor Company Multi-function vehicle taillight system with unitary optic
US6972813B1 (en) 1999-06-09 2005-12-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical laminated bodies, lighting equipment and area luminescence equipment
US7046905B1 (en) 1999-10-08 2006-05-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Blacklight with structured surfaces
US20080118862A1 (en) 2000-02-22 2008-05-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Sheeting with composite image that floats
US7336422B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2008-02-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Sheeting with composite image that floats
US6288842B1 (en) 2000-02-22 2001-09-11 3M Innovative Properties Sheeting with composite image that floats
US6663978B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2003-12-16 3M Innovative Properties Company High refractive index pressure-sensitive adhesives
US7166686B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2007-01-23 3M Innovative Properties Company High refractive index pressure-sensitive adhesives
US20030211317A1 (en) 2000-07-06 2003-11-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive tape and articles
US6569521B1 (en) 2000-07-06 2003-05-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive tape and articles
US7078093B2 (en) 2000-07-06 2006-07-18 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive tape and articles
US6927900B2 (en) 2001-01-15 2005-08-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Multilayer infrared reflecting film with high and smooth transmission in visible wavelength region and laminate articles made therefrom
US20030034445A1 (en) 2001-08-15 2003-02-20 Boyd Gary T. Light guide for use with backlit display
US20030095770A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-05-22 Fewkes Edward J. Optical fiber coatings with pressure sensitive adhesive characteristics
US20050070976A1 (en) 2001-11-17 2005-03-31 Samuel Ifor David William Therapeutic light-emitting device
US20070026167A1 (en) 2001-12-14 2007-02-01 Bourdelais Robert P Microvoided light diffuser containing optical contact layer
US7090922B2 (en) 2001-12-18 2006-08-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Silicone priming compositions, articles, and methods
US6799880B2 (en) 2001-12-31 2004-10-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination device
US6991695B2 (en) 2002-05-21 2006-01-31 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly
US20050276071A1 (en) 2002-09-19 2005-12-15 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Display unit and electronic apparatus with display unit
US20070152834A1 (en) 2002-10-08 2007-07-05 Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Retroreflective display devices
US7361474B2 (en) 2003-02-24 2008-04-22 United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Veterans Affairs Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as marker for prostate cancer
US20070006493A1 (en) 2003-05-12 2007-01-11 Arnold Eberwein Illuminated license plate for vehicles and vehicle provided with the same
EP1477368B1 (en) 2003-05-12 2007-08-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Illuminated license plate for vehicles and vehicle provided with the same
US20070031641A1 (en) 2003-09-05 2007-02-08 3M Innovative Properties Company License plate for back illumination and method for making same
US20050052750A1 (en) 2003-09-09 2005-03-10 King Vincent W. Microreplicated article
US7140741B2 (en) 2003-12-30 2006-11-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Color shifting retroreflector and method of making same
US20070209244A1 (en) 2004-04-07 2007-09-13 Sven Prollius License plate assembly comprising light source and backlit license plate
US20070292650A1 (en) 2004-04-16 2007-12-20 Riken Technos Corporation Adhesive Sheet and a Release Liner
US7255920B2 (en) 2004-07-29 2007-08-14 3M Innovative Properties Company (Meth)acrylate block copolymer pressure sensitive adhesives
US20060084780A1 (en) 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Hebrink Timothy J Modified copolyesters and optical films including modified copolyesters
US20060187552A1 (en) 2005-02-24 2006-08-24 Pin-Chien Huang Composite structure for light diffusion
US20060216524A1 (en) 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Perfluoropolyether urethane additives having (meth)acryl groups and hard coats
US7315418B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2008-01-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Polarizing beam splitter assembly having reduced stress
US20060226561A1 (en) 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Heat setting optical films
US7695180B2 (en) 2005-08-27 2010-04-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Illumination assembly and system
US20070047080A1 (en) 2005-08-31 2007-03-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of producing multilayer reflective polarizer
US20070081254A1 (en) 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of forming sheeting with a composite image that floats and sheeting with a composite image that floats
JP2007114271A (ja) 2005-10-18 2007-05-10 Kojinsha:Kk 封入レンズ型透光性再帰反射シートを設けた表示装置
US20070110960A1 (en) 2005-11-14 2007-05-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement marking, reflective elements, and methods of making microspheres
US20070242356A1 (en) 2006-04-18 2007-10-18 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles comprising olefinic seal films
US20070267133A1 (en) 2006-05-19 2007-11-22 Lintec Corporation Pressure-sensitive adhesive for applying optically functional film, optically functional film and production process for the same
US20070279935A1 (en) 2006-05-31 2007-12-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Flexible light guide
US20080232135A1 (en) 2006-05-31 2008-09-25 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide
US20070279391A1 (en) 2006-06-06 2007-12-06 Marttila Charles A Keypad with virtual image
US20080053800A1 (en) 2006-08-30 2008-03-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Keypad light guide
US20080074901A1 (en) 2006-09-21 2008-03-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Led backlight
US7498535B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2009-03-03 Square D Company Circuit breaker operator
US20080130126A1 (en) 2006-12-04 2008-06-05 3M Innovative Properties Company User interface including composite images that float
US20090067151A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Light guide with flexibility and durability
US20100048804A1 (en) 2007-10-19 2010-02-25 3M Innovative Properties Company High refractive index pressure-sensitive adhesives
US20100222496A1 (en) 2007-10-30 2010-09-02 Determan Michael D High refractive index adhesives
US20100297406A1 (en) 2007-11-08 2010-11-25 Schaffer Kevin R Optical adhesive with diffusive properties
US20110020640A1 (en) 2008-01-11 2011-01-27 Sherman Audrey A Stretch releasing optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive
US20090229732A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2009-09-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch releasable adhesive
US20090229766A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2009-09-17 Aveldson Jason L Adhesive removal device
US20110126968A1 (en) 2008-03-14 2011-06-02 Determan Michael D Stretch releasable adhesive tape
US20110064916A1 (en) 2008-04-22 2011-03-17 Sherman Audrey A Method of making adhesive article
US20110109965A1 (en) 2008-07-08 2011-05-12 Gates Brian J Optical elements for showing virtual images
US20110122494A1 (en) 2008-07-10 2011-05-26 Sherman Audrey A Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US20110176325A1 (en) 2008-07-10 2011-07-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Viscoelastic lightguide
US20110134623A1 (en) 2008-08-08 2011-06-09 Sherman Audrey A Lightguide having a viscoelastic layer for managing light
US20110165361A1 (en) 2008-09-17 2011-07-07 Sherman Audrey A Optical adhesive with diffusive properties
US20100103521A1 (en) 2008-10-22 2010-04-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective sheeting
US20110255165A1 (en) 2008-10-22 2011-10-20 Smith Kenneth L Retroreflective sheeting
US7995278B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2011-08-09 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of forming sheeting with composite images that float and sheeting with composite images that float
US20110255171A1 (en) 2008-10-23 2011-10-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of forming sheeting with composite images that float and sheeting with composite images that float
US20110253301A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2011-10-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Stretch Releasable Adhesive Tape
US20110268929A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2011-11-03 Tran Thu-Van T Stretch Releasable Adhesive Tape

Non-Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"OLED 'light bandage' helps in treatment of skin cancer," LEDs Magazine, Nov. 2, 2006, 2 pages.
Falk, et al., "Seeing the Light-Optics in Nature, Photography, Color, Vision, and Holography," Chapter 2: Principles of Geometrical Optics, pp. 53-57.
Falk, et al., "Seeing the Light—Optics in Nature, Photography, Color, Vision, and Holography," Chapter 2: Principles of Geometrical Optics, pp. 53-57.
Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology, Second Edition, edited by Donatas Satas, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1989, pp. 170-177.
U.S. Appl. No. 61/294,689 entitled "Devices and method with Viscoelastic Material," filed Jan. 13, 2010.
Williams, "Good News! Polymer OLED Technology Is About to Come to a Sticky End," Electronics World, Oct. 2007, p. 40-41.

Cited By (80)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140160764A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2014-06-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US9086535B2 (en) * 2008-07-10 2015-07-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US9851482B2 (en) 2008-07-10 2017-12-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US20110122494A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2011-05-26 Sherman Audrey A Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US9551475B2 (en) * 2008-07-10 2017-01-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US9551816B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2017-01-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflecting optical construction
US10132969B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2018-11-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US10557976B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2020-02-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US9791604B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2017-10-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US10859738B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2020-12-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US9618663B2 (en) 2010-04-15 2017-04-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
US9761389B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2017-09-12 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms with butterfly hinges
US9449772B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2016-09-20 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US9916945B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2018-03-13 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US9710069B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2017-07-18 Apple Inc. Flexible printed circuit having flex tails upon which keyboard keycaps are coupled
US11023081B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2021-06-01 Apple Inc. Multi-functional keyboard assemblies
US10211008B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2019-02-19 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US9502193B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2016-11-22 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US10699856B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2020-06-30 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
US10254851B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2019-04-09 Apple Inc. Keyboard key employing a capacitive sensor and dome
US10114489B2 (en) 2013-02-06 2018-10-30 Apple Inc. Input/output device with a dynamically adjustable appearance and function
US9927895B2 (en) 2013-02-06 2018-03-27 Apple Inc. Input/output device with a dynamically adjustable appearance and function
US9064642B2 (en) 2013-03-10 2015-06-23 Apple Inc. Rattle-free keyswitch mechanism
US9412533B2 (en) 2013-05-27 2016-08-09 Apple Inc. Low travel switch assembly
US10262814B2 (en) 2013-05-27 2019-04-16 Apple Inc. Low travel switch assembly
US9908310B2 (en) 2013-07-10 2018-03-06 Apple Inc. Electronic device with a reduced friction surface
US10556408B2 (en) 2013-07-10 2020-02-11 Apple Inc. Electronic device with a reduced friction surface
US9291752B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2016-03-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflecting optical construction
US11699558B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2023-07-11 Apple Inc. Keycaps having reduced thickness
US10804051B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2020-10-13 Apple Inc. Keycaps having reduced thickness
US10002727B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2018-06-19 Apple Inc. Keycaps with reduced thickness
US10224157B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2019-03-05 Apple Inc. Keycaps having reduced thickness
US9640347B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2017-05-02 Apple Inc. Keycaps with reduced thickness
US9704670B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2017-07-11 Apple Inc. Keycaps having reduced thickness
US9793066B1 (en) 2014-01-31 2017-10-17 Apple Inc. Keyboard hinge mechanism
US9779889B2 (en) 2014-03-24 2017-10-03 Apple Inc. Scissor mechanism features for a keyboard
US9704665B2 (en) 2014-05-19 2017-07-11 Apple Inc. Backlit keyboard including reflective component
US9715978B2 (en) 2014-05-27 2017-07-25 Apple Inc. Low travel switch assembly
US10796863B2 (en) 2014-08-15 2020-10-06 Apple Inc. Fabric keyboard
US10082880B1 (en) 2014-08-28 2018-09-25 Apple Inc. System level features of a keyboard
US9870880B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2018-01-16 Apple Inc. Dome switch and switch housing for keyboard assembly
US10128061B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2018-11-13 Apple Inc. Key and switch housing for keyboard assembly
US10134539B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2018-11-20 Apple Inc. Venting system and shield for keyboard
US10192696B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2019-01-29 Apple Inc. Light-emitting assembly for keyboard
US10879019B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2020-12-29 Apple Inc. Light-emitting assembly for keyboard
US10838117B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2020-11-17 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Reflector for vehicles
US10424446B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2019-09-24 Apple Inc. Keyboard assemblies having reduced thickness and method of forming keyboard assemblies
US10083806B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-09-25 Apple Inc. Keyboard for electronic device
US10083805B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-09-25 Apple Inc. Keyboard for electronic device
US10128064B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-11-13 Apple Inc. Keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses and method of forming keyboard assemblies
US9997304B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-06-12 Apple Inc. Uniform illumination of keys
US10468211B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2019-11-05 Apple Inc. Illuminated low-travel key mechanism for a keyboard
US9997308B2 (en) 2015-05-13 2018-06-12 Apple Inc. Low-travel key mechanism for an input device
US9934915B2 (en) 2015-06-10 2018-04-03 Apple Inc. Reduced layer keyboard stack-up
US10310167B2 (en) 2015-09-28 2019-06-04 Apple Inc. Illumination structure for uniform illumination of keys
US9971084B2 (en) 2015-09-28 2018-05-15 Apple Inc. Illumination structure for uniform illumination of keys
US11124133B2 (en) 2016-04-19 2021-09-21 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Iridescent badges for vehicles
US10353485B1 (en) 2016-07-27 2019-07-16 Apple Inc. Multifunction input device with an embedded capacitive sensing layer
US11282659B2 (en) 2016-08-08 2022-03-22 Apple Inc. Singulated keyboard assemblies and methods for assembling a keyboard
US10115544B2 (en) 2016-08-08 2018-10-30 Apple Inc. Singulated keyboard assemblies and methods for assembling a keyboard
US10755877B1 (en) 2016-08-29 2020-08-25 Apple Inc. Keyboard for an electronic device
US11500538B2 (en) 2016-09-13 2022-11-15 Apple Inc. Keyless keyboard with force sensing and haptic feedback
US10518719B2 (en) 2016-10-20 2019-12-31 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Iridescent vehicular trim assemblies and multi-shot injection molding methods for making the same
US10457201B2 (en) 2016-11-22 2019-10-29 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Badge assemblies that emanate visible iridescent patterns
US10444418B2 (en) * 2017-02-21 2019-10-15 Hades-Gaming Corporation Mouse pad having multiple light guide plates
US11619976B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2023-04-04 Apple Inc. Computer with keyboard
US10775850B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2020-09-15 Apple Inc. Computer with keyboard
US11409332B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2022-08-09 Apple Inc. Computer with keyboard
US12079043B2 (en) 2017-07-26 2024-09-03 Apple Inc. Computer with keyboard
US20190101685A1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2019-04-04 Dexerials Corporation Optical body, method for manufacturing optical body, and light-emitting apparatus
US10732341B2 (en) * 2017-09-29 2020-08-04 Dexerials Corporation Optical body, method for manufacturing optical body, and light-emitting apparatus
US11106086B2 (en) * 2018-04-20 2021-08-31 Chimei Corporation Optical plate with protrusions, optical structure, backlight module and display device
US20190324328A1 (en) * 2018-04-20 2019-10-24 Chi Mei Corporation Optical plate with protrusions, optical structure, backlight module and display device
US11001979B2 (en) 2018-08-13 2021-05-11 Vergence Automation, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ultrawide entrance angle reflective articles for use with autonomous vehicle machine vision systems
US11505903B2 (en) 2018-08-13 2022-11-22 Vergence Automation, Inc. Methods and apparatus for ultra wide entrance angle reflective articles for use with autonomous vehicle machine vision systems
US12072515B2 (en) 2018-09-13 2024-08-27 Vergence Automation, Inc. Retroreflective materials and articles incorporating near-ideal total internal retroreflective elements
US11762133B1 (en) 2018-09-13 2023-09-19 Vergence Automation, Inc. Retroreflective materials and articles incorporating near-ideal total internal retroreflective elements
US11578854B1 (en) 2020-02-26 2023-02-14 Terrand B. Grall High visibility tape
US11203281B1 (en) 2020-09-21 2021-12-21 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Visible light manipulating emblem for a vehicle
US11485276B2 (en) 2020-09-21 2022-11-01 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Visible light manipulating emblem for a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20110033850A (ko) 2011-03-31
JP5681104B2 (ja) 2015-03-04
EP2307914A2 (en) 2011-04-13
CN102138086A (zh) 2011-07-27
WO2010005810A3 (en) 2010-04-15
TW201007086A (en) 2010-02-16
US20140160764A1 (en) 2014-06-12
EP2307914A4 (en) 2014-03-19
KR101578250B1 (ko) 2015-12-16
CN102138086B (zh) 2014-11-26
WO2010005810A2 (en) 2010-01-14
US9551475B2 (en) 2017-01-24
JP2011527771A (ja) 2011-11-04
US20110182076A1 (en) 2011-07-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9551475B2 (en) Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US9851482B2 (en) Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide
US10228507B2 (en) Light source and optical article including viscoelastic lightguide disposed on a substrate
US9684120B2 (en) Optical article having viscoelastic layer
US9285531B2 (en) Lightguide having a viscoelastic layer for managing light

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, MINNESOTA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHERMAN, AUDREY A.;BOULOS, MARIE A.;SCHAFFER, KEVIN R.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110114 TO 20110302;REEL/FRAME:026094/0653

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20220218